Flexible overhead arm

ABSTRACT

An overhead arm assembly for a patient support apparatus includes a user interface device. The user interface device has a support structure for supporting a personal digital assistant and a charging port for personal digital assistant.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Nos. 62/572,922, filed Oct. 16, 2017, and Ser.No. 62/507,727, filed May 17, 2017, which are expressly incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to features of patient supportapparatuses such as hospital beds. In one aspect, the present disclosurerelates to patient control arms having user inputs that a patient usesto control features and functions of hospital beds, as well assupporting and charging personal digital assistants, such as tabletcomputers, for example.

Handheld personal phones, aka smartphones, and other personal digitalassistants (PDAs) such as tablet computers are owned by a largepercentage of the population. Patients in healthcare facilities preferto have their phones and PDAs accessible while admitted to a healthcarefacility. However, current patient support apparatuses on the markettoday do not adequately address patients' desire for ease of use oftheir smartphones while confined to a patient support apparatus. Somepatient's and caregivers may wish to interact with one another via thepatient's phone or PDA. Other aspects of a patient's care while in ahealthcare facility may be enhanced if a patient has access to theirPDA. Allowing patients better ergonomic use of their personal PDAs whileconfined to a hospital bed, for example, may improve their experiencewhile in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter. According to afirst aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface for a patientsupport apparatus comprises a frame including a first side and a secondside, and a support structure positioned on the second side. The supportstructure is configured to support personal digital assistants ofvarying sizes. The support structure includes a fixed base and a movableclamp, the movable clamp movable relative to the fixed base with alocking mechanism resisting movement of the movable clamp away from thebase.

In some embodiments, the movable clamp includes an actuator thatreleases the movable clamp for movement away from the base.

In some embodiments, the movable clamp comprises a first bias memberthat biases the locking mechanism to a locked position and second biasmember that biases the locking mechanism to a released position.

In some embodiments, first bias member has a bias that is greater thanthe second bias member.

In some embodiments, the first bias member may be overcome by a user todisengage the bias of the first bias member from the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the first bias member may be overcome by a user todisengage the bias of the first bias member from the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the movable clamp comprises a first bias memberthat biases the locking mechanism to a locked position and second biasmember that biases the locking mechanism to a released position.

In some embodiments, the first bias member has a bias that is greaterthan the second bias member.

In some embodiments, the first bias member may be overcome by a user todisengage the bias of the first bias member from the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the first bias member may be overcome by a user todisengage the bias of the first bias member from the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the first bias member is a torsional spring.

In some embodiments, the second bias member is integral formed in thelocking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a lock that has apair of arms, the arms formed to include catches, and the lockingmechanism further includes guides that are each engaged by therespective arms.

In some embodiments, the guides include serrations engaged by thecatches on the arms.

In some embodiments, the torsional spring is coupled to an actuator thatis movable into and out of engagement with the arms.

In some embodiments, when the actuator is out of engagement with thearms, the second bias member disengages the catches from the serrations.

In some embodiments, the actuator includes a pair of posts, each postengaging with a respective arm of the lock.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a lock that has apair of arms, the arms formed to include catches, and the lockingmechanism further includes guides that are each engaged by therespective arms.

In some embodiments, the guides include serrations engaged by thecatches on the arms.

In some embodiments, the movable clamp comprises a first bias memberthat biases the arms to a locked position and second bias member thatbiases the arms to a released position.

In some embodiments, the user interface comprises a dedicated chargingport positioned on the first side.

In some embodiments, the dedicated charging port is provided with twomodes of patient protection from electrical faults.

In some embodiments, the dedicated charging port is monitored forfaults.

In some embodiments, the dedicated charging port is controlled by adedicated charging port controller.

In some embodiments, the dedicated charging port is a USB charging port.

In some embodiments, the fault monitor includes two modes of patientprotection from electrical faults.

In some embodiments, the user interface device further comprises atleast one user input device positioned on the first side.

In some embodiments, the at least one user input device is a nurse callactivation switch.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead armassembly for a patient support apparatus includes a user interfacedevice of the first aspect of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the overhead arm assembly includes a couplerconfigured to couple the overhead arm assembly to a frame of the patientsupport apparatus.

In some embodiments, the coupler includes a detent to control theposition of the coupler relative to the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the overhead arm assembly includes first portionpivotable relative to the patient support apparatus, a second portionpivotable relative to the first portion, and a third portion pivotablerelative to the second portion.

In some embodiments, the user interface is pivotable relative to thethird portion.

In some embodiments, the pivoting of the second portion relative to thefirst portion is mechanically limited.

In some embodiments, the pivoting of the third portion relative to thesecond portion is mechanically limited.

In some embodiments, the pivoting of the user interface relative to thethird portion is mechanically limited.

In some embodiments, the first portion includes to a pivot base and thesecond portion includes a pivot member that pivots relative to the pivotbase.

In some embodiments, the overhead arm assembly includes a first motioncontrol assembly for controlling motion of the second portion relativeto the first portion.

In some embodiments, the first motion control assembly includes a brakering that is fixed to the second portion and frictionally engages thefirst portion.

In some embodiments, the overhead arm assembly further comprises asecond motion control assembly for controlling motion of the thirdportion relative to the second portion.

In some embodiments, the second motion control assembly includes a brakering that is fixed to the second portion and frictionally engages thethird portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead armassembly for a patient bed may be provided. The overhead arm assemblymay include a first L-shaped arm that may have a first bottom end thatmay be configured to couple to the patient bed, a second L-shaped arm, athird arm that may pivotably interconnect the first and second L-shapedarms, and a patient interface unit that may be suspended from a bottomregion of the second L-shaped arm. The overhead arm assembly may have ause position in which the first and second L-shaped arms may be pivotedwith respect to the third arm such that the patient interface unit issuspended for use by a patient on the patient bed. The overhead armassembly may have a transport position in which the first and secondL-shaped arms may be collapsed together such that the patient interfaceunit may be situated adjacent a substantially vertical portion of thefirst L-shaped arm. The overhead arm assembly may have a T-shapedconfiguration in the transport position.

In some embodiments, the overhead arm assembly may further include aclip that may be coupled to the substantially vertical portion of thefirst L-shaped arm. A substantially vertical portion of the secondL-shaped arm may be received by the clip when the overhead arm assemblyis in the transport position.

If desired, the third arm may be situated above the first and secondL-shaped arms. A first pivot joint assembly may be provided at a firstend of the third arm to pivotably interconnect the third arm and thefirst L-shaped arm. A second pivot joint assembly may be provided at asecond end of the third arm to pivotably interconnect the third arm andsecond L-shaped arm. Optionally, a first flexible pad may be attached tothe first pivot joint assembly and a second flexible pad may be attachedto the second pivot joint assembly. The first and second pads may serveas anti-skid feet when the overhead arm assembly is detached from thepatient bed and turned upside down and resting on a floor for storage.

In some embodiments, a strain relief may be attached to thesubstantially vertical portion of the first L-shaped arm. An electricalcable may be routed from the patient interface unit through the firstand second L-shaped arms and the third arm and may exit thesubstantially vertical portion of the L-shaped arm behind the strainrelief. A first connector may be provided at a distal end of the cable.The first connector may be configured to mate with a second connectorthat may be included on the patient bed. The first connector may be a 90degree male D-sub connector, for example. The second connector may be afemale connector that may be situated on a downwardly facing surface ofthe bed such that the first connector may be moved upwardly to mate withthe second connector.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead armassembly for use with a patient bed may include a plurality ofinterconnected pivotable arms. A free end of a first arm of theplurality of arms may be configured to couple to the patient bed. Apatient interface unit may be suspended from a second arm of theplurality of arms. The patient interface unit may have a first flexcircuit overlay attached thereto. The first flex circuit overlay may beselected from a plurality of different flex circuit overlays. The firstflex circuit overlay may have buttons for controlling a first set offeatures of the patient bed.

In some embodiments, the first flex circuit overlay may include a deadfront nurse call button that may be illuminated and visible in responseto the patient bed being in communication with a nurse call system andthat may not be illuminated and substantially not visible in response tothe patient bed not being in communication with the nurse call system.Optionally, each flex circuit overlay of the plurality of flex circuitoverlays may include a dead front nurse call button that may beilluminated and visible in response to the patient bed being incommunication with a nurse call system and that may be not illuminatedand substantially not visible in response to the patient bed not beingin communication with the nurse call system.

Alternatively or additionally, the first flex circuit overlay mayinclude a stay in bed indicator that may be illuminated in response to abed exit or patient position monitoring system of the patient bed beingenabled and that may not be illuminated in response to the bed exit orpatient position monitoring system of the patient bed not being enabled.Optionally, each flex circuit overlay of the plurality of flex circuitoverlays may include a stay in bed indicator that may be illuminated inresponse to a bed exit or patient position monitoring system of thepatient bed being enabled and that may not be illuminated in response tothe bed exit or patient position monitoring system of the patient bednot being enabled.

If desired, the first flex circuit overlay may include a stand assistbutton that may be pressed by a patient to move deck sections of thepatient bed to a position conducive for exiting a side of the bed. Insome embodiments, each flex circuit overlay of the plurality of flexcircuit overlays may include a stand assist button that may be pressedby a patient to move deck sections of the patient bed to a positionconducive for exiting a side of the bed.

It is contemplated by this disclosure that some flex circuit overlays ofthe plurality of flex circuit overlays may include mattress controlbuttons for inflating and deflating at least one mattress bladder toincrease and decrease, respectively, mattress firmness and others of theflex circuit overlays may not include mattress control buttons.Alternatively or additionally, some flex circuit overlays of theplurality of flex circuit overlays may include lighting control buttonsfor turning on and off a room light or a reading light and others of theflex circuit overlays may not include lighting control buttons. Furtheralternatively or additionally, some flex circuit overlays of theplurality of flex circuit overlays may include television controlbuttons for controlling a television in a patient room and others of theflex circuit overlays may not include television control buttons. Ifdesired, each flex circuit overlay of the plurality of flex circuitoverlays may include deck section control buttons that may be pressed bya patient to move deck sections of the patient bed. Further optionally,each flex circuit overlay of the plurality of flex circuit overlays mayhave back lighting turned on for each button corresponding to acontrollable function and may have back lighting turned off for eachbutton corresponding to a function that is not controllable.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an overheadarm assembly for use with a patient bed may include a plurality ofinterconnected pivotable arms. A free end of a first arm of theplurality of arms may be configured to couple to the patient bed. Apatient interface unit may be suspended from a second arm of theplurality of arms. The patient interface unit may have a reading lightwith a touch sensor. The touch sensor may be touched by a patient tochange an intensity or brightness level at which the reading light emitslight.

In some embodiments, the reading light with touch sensor may be locatedat a bottom of a patient interface unit. The intensity or brightnesslevels may include low, medium, high, and off levels, for example.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in theclaims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus embodied asa hospital bed, the hospital bed including an overhead arm assembly thatis used to provide a user interface to a patient supported on the bed;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of the arm assembly of the overheadarm assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the user interface portion of theoverhead arm assembly of FIG. 1, the user interface portion including asupport structure supporting a personal digital assistant device;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of a patient interface portion ofthe overhead arm assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of the user interface portion of FIG. 3with portions removed to show the functioning of a movable clamp of thesupport structure, the movable clamp in a locked position;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the movable clamp in an unlockedposition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the user interface portion of theoverhead arm assembly of FIG. 1, the user interface portion beingrotated to that the user interface portion includes a user interface anda dedicated USB charging port;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a portion of the electrical system of thepatient support apparatus and the patient interface of FIG. 1, includingstructure for electrically isolating and monitoring the operation of theUSB charging port;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a hospital bed having anoverhead arm assembly with a different embodiment of arm structure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the arm assembly of FIG. 2showing the interface between a brake ring and a pivot support;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the movable clamp of thesupport structure showing the mounting of a lock to a grip of themovable clamp;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the movable clamp;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a portion of the hospital bed andshowing the overhead arm assembly in a transport position having asubstantially vertical portion of one arm of the overhead arm assemblyclipped to a substantially vertical portion of another arm of theoverhead arm assembly so that the overhead arm assembly has a T-shapedconfiguration;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the hospital bed and aportion of the overhead arm assembly showing an electrical cable exitingfrom a bottom of a strain relief attached to a lower region of one ofthe arms of the overhead arm assembly and terminating at a maleelectrical connector which is arranged for upward movement to couplewith a female connector (shown in phantom) located on a downwardlyfacing surface of an upright structure at a head end of the hospitalbed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the overhead arm assembly in itsT-shaped configuration and flipped upside down for storage when detachedfrom the hospital bed;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a first flex circuit overlay thatis included in a patient interface support unit suspended at a bottom ofone of the arms of the overhead arm assembly, the first flex circuithaving user inputs to control a first set of features of one style ofthe hospital bed;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of a second flex circuit overlay thatis included in the patient interface support unit suspended at thebottom of one of the arms of the overhead arm assembly, the second flexcircuit having user inputs to control a second set of features of onestyle of the hospital bed;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of a third flex circuit overlay thatis included in the patient interface support unit suspended at a bottomof one of the arms of the overhead arm assembly, the third flex circuithaving user inputs to control a third set of features of one style ofthe hospital bed;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a fourth flex circuit overlay thatis included in the patient interface support unit suspended at a bottomof one of the arms of the overhead arm assembly, the fourth flex circuithaving user inputs to control a fourth set of features of one style ofthe hospital bed; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an alternative electrical system ofthe patient interface portion of the patient interface support unit ofthe overhead arm assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a patient support apparatus 10 is illustrativelyembodied as a hospital bed 10. The hospital bed 10 includes an overheadarm assembly 100 that is used to provide support for a patient interfacedevice 160, best seen in FIG. 3. The patient interface device 160 isillustratively embodied as a tablet computer in the embodiment of FIG.3. In other embodiments, the overhead arm assembly 100 may support otherpatient interface devices such as smartphones, laptops, patient pendantsfor controlling operation of portions of the hospital bed 10, or otherelectronic equipment.

The view shown in FIG. 1 is generally taken from a position that isoriented at the left side, foot end of the hospital bed 10. For purposesof orientation, the discussion of the hospital bed 10 will be based onthe orientation of a patient supported on the hospital bed 10 in asupine position. Thus, the foot end 12 of the hospital bed 10 refers tothe end nearest the patient's feet when the patient is supported on thehospital bed 10 in the supine position. The hospital bed 10 has a headend 14 opposite the foot end 12. A left side 16 refers to the patient'sleft when the patient is lying in the hospital bed 10 in a supineposition. The right side 18 refers to the patient's right. Whenreference is made to the longitudinal length of the hospital bed 10, itrefers a direction that is represented by the lines that generallyextend between the head end 14 and foot end 12 of the hospital bed 10.Similarly, lateral width of the hospital bed 10 refers to a directionthat is represented by the lines that generally extend between the leftside 16 and right side 18.

The hospital bed 10 includes a base frame 20 which supports a liftsystem 22. The lift system 22 engages the base and an upper frame 24such that the lift system 22 moves the upper frame 24 verticallyrelative to the base frame 20. The lift system 22 includes a head endlinkage 27 and a foot end linkage 29. Each of the linkages 27 and 29 areindependently operable and may be operated to cause the hospital bed 10to move into a tilt position which is when the head end 14 of the upperframe 24 is positioned lower than the foot end 12 of the upper frame 24.The hospital bed 10 may also be moved to a reverse tilt position withthe foot end 12 of the upper frame 24 is positioned lower than the headend 14 of the upper frame 24.

The upper frame 24 supports a load frame 26. The load frame 26 supportsa head deck 28 (sometimes referred to as a head section) which ismovable relative to the load frame 26. The load frame 26 also supportsan articulated seat deck 30 (sometimes referred to as a thigh section),also movable relative to the load frame 26 and a fixed seat deck 32(sometimes referred to as a seat section). Also supported from the loadframe 26 is a foot deck 34 (sometimes referred to as a foot section)that is articulated and moveable relative to the load frame 26. The footdeck 34 in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 provides for poweredpivoting of the foot deck 34 and manual extension and retraction of thefoot deck 34 to vary the length of the foot deck 34. In otherembodiments, powered pivoting of the foot deck 34 may be omitted and therelated movement may be caused manually, or follow movement of thearticulated seat deck 30. In addition, in some embodiments, extensionand retraction of the foot deck 34 may be powered by an actuator.

The foot deck 34 includes a first portion 36 and a second portion 38,which moves relative to the first portion 36 to vary the size of thefoot deck 34. The second portion 38 moves generally longitudinallyrelative to the first portion 36 to vary the longitudinal length of thefoot deck 34 and, thereby, the longitudinal length of the hospital bed10.

A foot panel 40 (sometimes referred to as a footboard) is supported fromthe second portion 38 and extends vertically from an upper surface 42 ofthe second portion 38 to form a barrier at the foot end 12 of thehospital bed 10. A head panel 44 (sometimes referred to as a headboard)is positioned on an upright structure 46 of the base frame 20 andextends vertically to form a barrier at the head end 14 of the hospitalbed 10. A left head siderail 48 is supported from the head deck 28 andis moveable between a raised position shown in FIG. 1 and a loweredposition as is known in the art. A right head siderail 50 is alsomoveable between the raised position of FIG. 1 and lowered position.

The hospital bed 10 also includes a left foot siderail 58 and a rightfoot siderail 60, each of which is supported directly from the loadframe 26. Each of the siderails 48, 50, 58, and 60 are operable to belowered to a position below the upper surface 52 of the respective headsection 28 or seat section 32 as the case may be. It should be notedthat when the head deck 28 is moved, the head siderails 48 and 50 movewith the head deck 28 so that they maintain their relative position tothe patient. This is because both of the head siderails 48 and 50 aresupported by the head deck 28.

The overhead arm assembly 100 is supported from the upright structure 46and received in a socket 62 formed therein. A coupler 64, shown in FIG.2 is positioned in the socket 62 and supports a tubular upright post orarm 66 of the overhead arm assembly 100. The post 66 is secured to thecoupler 64 by a roll pin 68 with a protrusion 70 of the coupler 64 beingreceived into the bottom of the tubular upright post 66 and secured bythe pin 68 as suggested in FIG. 2. The coupler 64 includes a base 72that is separated from the protrusion 70 by an annular flange 74. Thebase 72 is received in the socket 62 with the flange 74 limiting thetravel of the coupler 64 into the socket 62.

The coupler 64 is formed to include a throughhole 76 into which aplunger 78 is positioned. The plunger 78 extends beyond the surface ofthe base 72 at the location identified by arrow 80. The through-hole 76is formed to include a counter-sink (not shown) with a flat surfacewhich is engaged by an annular flange 82 of the plunger 78. The flange82 is urged against the surface of the countersink by a spring 84. Thespring 84 engages (e.g., touches, contacts, or presses against) a plug86 that is threaded into the through-hole 76 to bias the spring 84against the plunger 78 to urge a plunger tip 88 of plunger 78 to extendbeyond the surface of the base 72 at the opposite side of through-hole76 (i.e., the side of through-hole pointed to generally by arrow 80 butthat cannot be seen in FIG. 2). The bias of spring 84 against theplunger 78 allows the plunger 78 to secure the overhead arm assembly 100in the socket 62. In the illustrative embodiments, the tip 88 of theplunger 78 acts as a bias member to limit rotation in the socket 62. Inother embodiments, the plunger 78 may cooperate with a cross-hole (notshown) formed in the socket 62 so that the plunger 78 acts as a detentand secures the coupler 64 to the socket 62 and prevents rotation of thecoupler 64 relative to the socket 62.

Arm 66 is generally L-shaped and includes a substantially verticalportion 66 a, a substantially horizontal portion 66 b, and a curvedtransition portion 66 c that interconnects a top of portion 66 a withportion 66 b. An end portion 66 b of the post 66 is secured to a pivotbase 90 by a weld. The pivot base 90 is formed to include a tubular axle92 that extends upwardly from a frame 93. The axle 92 of the pivot base90 supports a generally horizontal pivot arm 94 that includes a pivotmember 96 which is secured to one end of a tubular arm portion 98 of arm94 by a weld. The pivot member 96 rests on a bearing assembly 99 throughwhich the axle 92 extends. The bearing assembly 99 includes a thrustbearing 102 positioned between two thrust washers 104, 104 so that alower edge 106 of pivot member 96 engages the upper thrust washer 104and the lower thrust washer 104 engages the pivot base 90. The axle 92extends through a flange 112 (see FIG. 10) formed in the pivot member96.

A motion control assembly 108 is positioned on the axle 92 above theflange 112 formed in the pivot member 96. The motion control assembly108 is tuned to provide pliable resistance to the rotation of the pivotarm 94 about the axle 92 so that the pivot arm 94 will be retained inposition when it is moved relative to the pivot base 90 and post 66.When enough force is applied to overcome the resistance of the motioncontrol assembly 108, the pivot arm 94 can be repositioned, but willretain the new position when the force is removed. The retention in thenew position is caused by the motion control assembly 108.

The motion control assembly 108 includes a brake ring 114 that ispositioned over the axle 92 and is clamped to the axle 92 by a screw 116and nut 118 to provide a gripping action on the axle 92 as shown in FIG.2. Thus, the brake ring 114 has a radially extending split 115, shown inFIG. 10, that closes as screw 116 and nut 118 are tightened. Stillreferring to FIG. 10, the brake ring 114 includes a pair of tabs 120,122 that extend from a lower surface 124 of the brake ring 114. Theflange 112 includes a pair of anti-rotation slots 124, 126 that areengaged by the brake ring 114 tabs 120, 122, respectively. In this way,the brake ring 114 is fixed relative to the pivot member 96. The tensiondeveloped in the screw 116 controls the clamping force of the brake ring114 to provide control of the force necessary to cause the pivot arm 94to pivot relative to the pivot base 90.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the pivot member 96 is secured to the pivotbase 90 by a nut 130 that is threaded onto the axle 92. A spring washer132 is positioned below the nut 130 and engages a bearing assembly 134that is positioned on the brake ring 114. The bearing assembly 134includes a thrust bearing 102 positioned between two thrust washers 104,104. The spring washer 132 is configured to allow the nut 130 to bepositioned to pre-load the spring washer 132 to secure the bearingassembly 134 onto the brake ring 114 without binding motion of the pivotarm 94 relative to the pivot base 90.

The pivot member 96 is formed to include a motion limiter or tab 136, asshown in FIG. 10. The motion limiter 136 engages a pin 138 positioned inthe pivot base 90 when the pivot member 96 is rotated, thereby limitingthe rotation of the pivot member 96 to the pivot base 90 toapproximately 360 degrees, but not complete rotation about the axle 92.Thus, arm 94 is able to rotate slightly less (e.g., two to five degreesless) than 360 degrees relative to arm 66. This prevents damage toelectrical cables routed through the overhead arm assembly 100 as willbe discussed in more detail below.

The pivot arm 94 includes a second pivot member 140 positioned at an endof tube 98 opposite the pivot member 96. Pivot member 140 is welded totube 98. The pivot member 140 engages another pivot base 142 in a mannersimilar to that discussed above with regard to the interaction of pivotmember 96 and pivot base 90, so the discussion of the relevant structurewill not be duplicated and the same reference numbers are used for likestructure.

The pivot base 142 supports a flexible arm assembly 144 (sometimesreferred to herein as just arm 144) that is secured to a tubular arm 146of the pivot base 142 by a pair of screws 148, 148 as suggested in FIG.2. The overhead arm assembly 100 further includes four caps 150, 150,150, 150 that are secured to the pivot bases 90, 142 and the pivotmembers 96, 140 as suggested in FIG. 2. The caps 150, 150, 150, 150 sealthe pivot bases 90, 142 and the pivot members 96, 140 after a cable isrouted through the overhead arm assembly 100 as will be discussed infurther detail below.

The flexible arm assembly 144 includes a rigid collar 152 which issecured to a curved tubular flexible arm 154. A rigid leg 156 is securedto the curved tubular flexible arm 154 and a tubular flexible leg 158 issecured to the rigid leg 156. The flexible arm 154 and flexible leg 158are “gooseneck” structures that are pliable to allow for adjustment ofthe shape of the flexible arm 154 and flexible leg 158 to allow a userinterface unit 160 to be adjusted as will be discussed in further detailbelow.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an overhead arm assembly 400includes a user interface unit 160 which is supported from a flexiblearm 402. The flexible arm 402 is connected to a rigid upper arm 404. Therigid upper arm 404 is supported from a pair of flexible upper arms 406,408 which are then supported from a bent tube 410. The bent tube 410 issupported from the upright structure 46 in a manner similar to theoverhead arm assembly 100 discussed above. The flexible tubes disclosedherein may be of the type sold by Moffatt Products Inc., 222 CessnaStreet, Watertown, S. Dak. 57201.

The user interface unit 160 has a side 162, shown in FIG. 2, which isformed to include a USB charging port 164 and a side 166, shown in FIGS.3 and 4, that includes a support structure 168 for supporting a personaldigital assistant (PDA), illustratively embodied as a tablet computer170 in FIG. 3. The support structure 168 includes a pair of bases 172,174, on which a bottom of the tablet computer 170 is positioned, and anadjustable clamp 176 which engages a top of the tablet computer 170 tothereby retain the tablet computer 170 to the user interface unit 160.

The user interface unit 160 includes a first frame member 175 and asecond frame member 178. A pair of handles 180, 182 are each capturedbetween the frame members 175, 178 when the frame members 175, 178 aresecured together by a number of screws 184 that pass through the secondframe member 178 and holes 186 formed in the handles 180, 182, thescrews 184 being threaded into the first frame member 175. The screws184 are received in counterbores (not shown) of frame member 175 and arecovered by plugs 189. A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 188 ispositioned between the frame members 175, 178, with an LED lightassembly 190 being positioned in the bottom of the user interface unit160 and positioned between the frame members 175, 178. A light cover 192is positioned over the LED light assembly 190 and is secured to theframe members 175, 178 with a pair of screws (not shown).

The USB charging port 164 is coupled to a cable 194 that is, in turn,connected to the PCBA 188 with the USB charging port 164 being securedto the frame member 175 by a screw 195. A USB overlay 296 is positionedon the frame member 178 and provides indicia indicative of the operationof the USB charging port 164. A flex circuit overlay 196 is positionedon the frame member 175 on side 162; the flex circuit overlay 196 beingconfigured to provide various user input devices in the form of membraneswitches (not shown). The membrane switches may include variousfunctions that are of interest to a patient on the hospital bed 10.Various examples of flex circuit overlays 196 a-d are described below inconnection with FIGS. 16-19. In the illustrative embodiment, the flexcircuit overlay 196 includes switches for activating a nurse call andfor controlling the LED light assembly 190. Other functions that may beavailable in other embodiments include, but is not limited to,television controls, audio controls, lighting controls, environmentalcontrols such as heating and air conditioning, and window blindcontrols.

The support structure 168 for supporting the PDA 170 in FIG. 3 isdesigned so that the adjustable clamp 176 is movable along a pair ofguides 200, 202 formed in the frame member 178. The pair of bases 172,174, on which the tablet computer 170 is positioned are formed as partof a monolithic structure 204 which includes a pair of posts 206, 208which extend through the frame member 178 and are received into guides210, 212 formed in the frame member 175. The posts 206, 208 are securedby screws 184 as described above. A pair of cushions 214, 214 are eachpositioned on respective bases 172, 174 and provide a resilient flexiblesurface on which the PDA 170 rests. The cushions 214, 214 are configuredto grip the PDA 170 to reduce movement relative to the support structure168.

The adjustable clamp 176 includes a grip 216 that is formed to includeflanges 218, 220 (best seen in FIG. 12), that are retained by flanges222, 224 of the guides 200, 202. The grip 216 is positioned with theflanges 222, 224 in the guides 200, 202 before the structure 204 issecured to the frame members 175, 178. The guides 200, 202 each includea serrated surface 236, 238 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) formed in the guides200, 202. The serrated surfaces 236, 238 provide a ratcheting structurethat is used to secure the grip 216 in position when the grip 216 isengaged with the PDA 170. A cushion 214 (see FIG. 4) is positioned onthe grip 216 to grip the PDA 170 to reduce movement relative to thesupport structure 168.

The adjustable clamp 176 further includes a flexible lock 240 that ispositioned on the grip 216 as shown in FIG. 11. The flexible lock 240 isformed monolithically and includes a pair of rings 242, 244 that arepositioned on respective posts 246, 248 of the clamp 176. A pair of arms250, 252 are each pivotable about the posts 246, 248 to cause twocatches 254, 256 to move laterally into and out of engagement with theserrated surfaces 236, 238. A bias member 258 urges the catches 254, 256inwardly and out of engagement with the serrated surfaces 236, 238. Innormal operation, the bias of the bias member 258 is overcome by atorsional spring 260 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The torsional spring 260engages an actuator 262 that includes two posts 264, 266 that are biasedact on the ends 268, 270 of the arms 250, 252 which tend to urge thecatches 254, 256 outwardly to engage the serrated surfaces 236, 238. Inoperation, the bias of the torsional spring 260 is greater than the biasof the bias member 258 so that the bias of the bias member 258 isovercome and the normal operating position of the catches 254, 256 is inengagement with the serrated surfaces 236, 238. A handle 271 is securedto the actuator 262 by a screw 272, shown in FIG. 12, so that movementof the handle 271 causes movement of the actuator 262, and, thereby, theposts 264, 266.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation of the adjustable clamp176 is illustrated. In FIG. 5, the handle 271 is in a neutral positionand the torsional spring 260 is dominating the bias member 258 so thatthe catches 254, 256 are engaged with the serrated surfaces 236, 238.The shape of the serrated surfaces 236, 238 causes the catches 254, 256to be secured within a serration so that movement of the adjustableclamp 176 upwardly, in the direction of arrow 273 is precluded. Inoperation, the adjustable clamp 176 is moved up to provide sufficientclearance for the PDA 170 by lifting the handle 271 as suggested by thearrow 274 in FIG. 6, which rotates the actuator 262 about an axis 280and disengages the posts 264, 266 from the ends 268, 270, so that thecatches 254, 256 are disengaged from the serrated surfaces 236, 238.This overcomes the bias of the spring 260 and the bias member 258 urgesthe catches 254, 256 out of engagement with the serrated surfaces 236,238 allowing the adjustable clamp 176 to be moved in the direction ofarrow 273.

Once the PDA 170 is positioned on the bases 172, 174 and positionedbelow the adjustable clamp 176, a user releases handle 271 and pushesdown on the grip 216 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) to move the grip 216 in adirection opposite arrow 273. The shape of the serrated surfaces 236,238 permits the catches 254, 256 to slip past the serrations as the grip216 is moved downwardly. This action overcomes the bias of the spring260 so that the catches 254, 256 ratchet on the serrated surface 236,238. Once the grip 216 is fully engaged with the PDA 170, the bias ofthe spring 260 causes the catches 254, 256 to engage the correspondingserrations of the serrated surfaces 236, 238, thereby locking the PDA170 between the adjustable clamp 176 and the bases 172, 174, until theadjustable clamp 176 is released with the handle 271.

A user can position the user interface unit 160 with the PDA 170 facingtoward them or rotate the user interface unit 160 to have access to theother side 162 of unit 160. Rotation of the user interface unit 160about an axis 282 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is limited by a rotation limiter284 that has a tab 286, received in a slot 290 of a coupler 288 of theflexible arm assembly 144 (see FIG. 4). The coupler 288 interconnectsthe flexible leg 158 and the user interface unit 160. The slot 290 isformed so that the user interface unit 160 can only be rotated by about180 degrees about the axis 282. This also prevents damage to cablingthat is passed through the flexible arm assembly 100.

In a medical application, where a patient may be exposed to anelectrical signal, isolation is needed to insure that even with failure;the patient is not exposed to any electrical current. To accomplishthis, a minimum of 2 means of patient protection (MOPP) is needed. Thisis governed by IEC60601 with specific details on allowable boundarymaterials, their ratings and any allowable leakage currents, modes ofisolation or separation. In the illustrative design, 2 MOPP of isolationbetween the AC mains and the bed electronics is provided. There is also2MOPP provided between the bed 28 VDC bus and the USB charging port 164.This approach leaves the AC mains wiring local to the main electricalsystem of the bed 10 while only a lower DC voltage is distributed in thebed 10 and in overhead arm assembly 100.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the AC Mains power 300 is delivered to an AD/DCconverter 302 that provides bed level electrical DC power at 28 VDC and30 A, with two modes of patient protection (2 MOPP) implemented withinthe IEC60601 standard. The DC power is delivered to the bed electronics,such as a controller area network (CAN) microcontroller 304 on the userinterface PCBA 188. In the case of the USB charging port 164, anadditional layer of isolation is delivered with a DC to DC converter 306that transforms the 28 V DC power bus down to a 5 VDC power source with2.5 A of current available. This supply is separate from the supply usedby the other bed electronics. The circuit for supplying the USB chargingport 164 includes a current limiting device 308 which feeds a dedicatedcharging port (DCP) controller 310. The DCP controller 310 has an outputthat passes through a capacitor 312 and is delivered to the USB chargingport 164. In addition, a DCP status feedback device 314 is connected tothe DC/DC converter 306 to monitor operations of the USB chargingcircuit including the controller 310. The device 314 provides thisinformation to the CAN microcontroller 304 which provides the capabilityfor monitoring of usage statistics and faults for logging and feedbackto maintenance operators.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the overhead arm assembly 100 is folded orcollapsed into a transport position when the bed 10 is being moved fromone location in a healthcare facility to another. A clip 500 is fastenedto portion 66 a of arm 66 with a suitable fastener such as illustrativescrew 502 (see FIG. 1). When overhead arm assembly 100 is in thetransport position, substantially vertical portion 158 of arm 144 isattached to clip 500 such that arm 158 is situated against or closelyadjacent to substantially vertical portion 66 a of arm 66 as shown inFIG. 13. Clip 500, therefore, has a C-shape which resiliently snapsaround arm 158 to retain arm 158 in place relative to arm 66. Thisprevents arms 66, 94, 144 from swinging around in an unwanted,uncontrolled manner during transport of bed 10, particularly when bed 10is turned around corners. In the transport position, overhead armassembly 100 has a T-shaped configuration.

To move arm assembly to the transport position from the use positionshown in FIG. 1, for example, arm 94 together with arm 144 is rotatedrelative to pivot base 90 of arm 66 by about 180 degrees as indicated byarrow 504 in FIG. 13. Then, arm 144 is rotated relative pivot base 140of arm 94 by about 180 degrees as indicated by arrow 506. Some or all ofthe motion of overhead arm assembly 100 indicated by arrows 504, 506 mayoccur simultaneously if desired. After arm 144 has been moved to aposition having portion 158 of arm 144 situated closely adjacent toportion 66 a of arm 66, portion 158 of arm 144 is snapped into clip 500in the direction indicated by arrow 508. As is apparent in FIG. 13, theflexibility of arm 144 permits portion 158 to be slightly bent aroundportion 66 a of arm 66 to bring the lower region of arm 158 intoregistry with clip 500.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an electrical cable 510 exits from a bottomend 512 of a strain relief 514. Strain relief 514 is made of a resilientmaterial such as rubber or plastic and protects cable 510 from wearingagainst the exit hole (not shown) in portion 66 a which is made from ametal material in some embodiments. Cable 510 includes electricalconductors (not shown) that are routed through overhead arm assembly 100and that couple to electrical components included in patient interfacesupport unit 160. Strain relief 514 is attached to a lower region ofportion 66 a of arm 66 by a suitable fastener such as illustrative screw516 (see FIGS. 2 and 14). In FIG. 14, base 72 of overhead arm assembly100 is arranged above socket 62 such that movement of base 72 in thedirection indicated by arrow 518 results in insertion of base 72 intosocket 62.

Cable 510 terminates at a male electrical connector 520 which, in theillustrative example, is a 9-pin, 90 degree D-subminiature (aka D-sub)connector 520. In FIG. 14, connector 520 is arranged for upward movementin the direction of arrow 522 to couple with a female connector 524(shown in phantom) which is located on a downwardly facing surface 526of the upright structure 46 at the head end 14 of the hospital bed 10.Mating of connector 520 with connector 524 results in the electricalcomponents in unit 160 of overhead arm assembly 100 beingcommunicatively coupled via a wired connection with the controller andaccompanying circuitry of bed 10. A label having suitable indicia isattached to upright structure 46 to indicate the general location ondownwardly facing surface 526 where female connector 524 is positioned.Thus, a caregiver or technician can reach under surface 526 withconnector 520 in hand and feel around for connector 524 with asufficient degree of accuracy to ultimately mate connectors 520, 524together.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the overhead arm assembly 100 is shown removedfrom bed 10 and flipped upside down for storage when in its T-shapedconfiguration having portion 158 of arm 144 received in clip 500. Thecaps 150 that are attached to pivot respective bases 96, 140 each haveresilient pads 530 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. When overhead armassembly 100 is flipped upside down for storage, the resilient pads 530rest upon the underlying floor and serve as anti-skid feet 530. In someembodiments, pads 530 are made from rubber or a rubber-like material.

Overhead arm assembly 100 is shown leaning up against a wall in FIG. 15,but may just as well be leaning up against any other suitable structuresuch as a shelving unit in a storage closet, for example. In theillustrative example, resilient pads 530 are cylindrically shaped disksbut other shapes such as oval, square, rectangular, etc. may be used ifdesired. In some embodiments, the caps 150 to which pads 530 coupleinclude pockets or holes that receive portions of the pads 530 therein.Pads 530 are secured to caps 150 with suitable fasteners such asadhesive, snap fingers, screws, or a press fit into respective holes orpockets.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, four different styles of flex circuitoverlay 196 are shown and are indicated by reference numbers 196 a (FIG.16), 196 b (FIG. 17), 196 c (FIG. 18), 196 d (FIG. 19). Each of flexcircuit overlays 196 a-d are coupleable to frame 175 of user interfaceunit 160. Flex circuit overlay 196 a has user inputs to control a firstset of features of one style of the hospital bed 10. In particular, flexcircuit overlay 196 a has a head up button 540 that is pressed to raisehead section 28, a head down button 542 that is pressed to lower headsection 28, a knee up button 544 that is pressed to raise thigh section30, a knee down button 546 that is pressed to lower thigh section 30, afoot up button 548 that is pressed to raise foot section 34, and a footdown button 550 that is pressed to lower foot section 34. A patientindicia 551 is situated between buttons 540, 544, 548 and buttons 542,546, 550.

Still referring to FIG. 16, flex circuit overlay 196 a includes a sideegress button 552 (aka a stand assist button 552) that is pressed whenthe patient wishes to exit the bed 10. Button 552 is positioned onoverlay above head up button 540 in the illustrative example but may bepositioned elsewhere in other embodiments. In response to button 552being pressed, head section 28 is raised and both thigh section 30 andfoot section 34 are lowered to a substantially flat or substantiallyhorizontal position. This position of deck sections 38, 30, 34facilitates patient egress from bed 10 in that the patient can usesiderail 48, 50 attached to head section 28, depending upon the side ofbed 10 from which the patient is egressing, as a stand assist grip.Overlay 196 a also includes a stay-in-bed indicator 554 and anassociated light emitting diode (LED) 556. Indicator 554 is illuminatedin response to a bed exit or patient position monitoring (PPM) system ofbed 10 being enabled. Details of a suitable bed exit/PPM system areshown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,253,366 which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety to the extent notinconsistent with the present disclosure which shall control as to anyinconsistencies.

In some embodiments, LED 556 is illuminated to indicate the status ofthe bed exit/PPM system when enabled. For example, if the patient isproperly positioned in bed 10, LED 556 is illuminated green. If thepatient exits the bed or is out of position on the bed, LED 556 isilluminated amber or red and, in some embodiments, flashes. If acaregiver suspends the bed exit/PPM system from alarming while thepatient is out of bed 10, LED 556 may be illuminated amber or redwithout flashing in some embodiments. For details regarding suspensionof a bed exit/PPM system with an automatic re-enable feature, see U.S.Pat. No. 8,717,181 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosurewhich shall control as to any inconsistencies.

Flex circuit overlay 196 a of FIG. 16 also has a nurse call button 558and associated LED's 560, 562. Nurse call button 558 is illuminated inresponse to bed 10 successfully communicating with a nurse call systemof a healthcare facility. Bed 10 couples to hardware of the nurse callsystem via a 37-pin cable in some embodiments, as is known in the art.In other embodiments, bed 10 communicates wirelessly with the nurse callsystem. Examples of various embodiments of a nurse call system (as wellas other components of a network in a healthcare facility) can be foundin U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,598,995; 8,384,526; 8,169,304; 8,046,625; 7,746,218;7,538,659; 7,319,386; 7,242,308; 6,897,780; 6,362,725; 6,147,592;5,838,223; 5,699,038 and 5,561,412, all of which are hereby incorporatedby reference herein in their entirety to the extent that they are notinconsistent with the present disclosure which shall control as to anyinconsistencies.

In the illustrative embodiment, nurse call button 558 is configured as a“dead front” indicator which means that when backlighting behind button558 is turned off, the nurse call button 558 cannot be seen on theoverlay 196 a. The backlighting is turned off when bed 10 is notsuccessfully communicating with a nurse call system, for example, suchas in those healthcare facilities that don't link bed 10 with a nursecall system. By hiding or rendering button 558 invisible (or at leastsubstantially invisible), a patient will not press button 558 thinking anurse call signal has been placed when bed 10 is not linked with a nursecall system. In some embodiments, stay in bed indicator 554 is also adead front indicator that is not visible if the bed exit/PPM system ofbed 10 is not enabled.

In response to the patient pressing nurse call button 558, LED 562 isilluminated yellow to indicate that a nurse call has been successfullyplaced to the nurse call system. In some embodiments, a single beep willalso sound to indicate that a successful nurse call has been placed.Alternatively or additionally, a verbal message stating, “the care teamhas been called” will sound in those embodiments of bed 10 having voicealert capabilities. In response to a communication line from the nurse'sstation of the nurse call system being opened to the bed 10, LED 560 isilluminated green to indicate that the patient is able to talk with acaregiver at the nurse's station.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the second flex circuit overlay 196 b has manyof the same buttons and indicators as overlay 196 a and so the samereference numbers are used for similar buttons and indicators. Thedescription above of overlay 196 a is equally applicable to overlay 196b with regard to the common elements and features except as noted below.However, overlay 196 is intended for use with beds 10 that have anintegrated air mattress system. That is, in some embodiments, bed 10 hasa pneumatic system for controlling inflation of one or more bladders ofan air mattress supported on deck section 28, 30, 32, 34 of bed 10. Withregard to side egress button 552 of overlay 196 b, in some embodiments,one or bladders of the air mattress such as one or more air bladders ina seat region of the mattress, are inflated in response to button 552being increased to increase the firmness in the seat region. A firmerseat region of the mattress makes it easier for the patient to egressfrom bed 10 at its side.

Overlay 196 b has a mattress firm button 564 that is pressed to commandthe pneumatic system of bed 10 to further inflate the patient supportbladder(s) of the mattress and a mattress soft button 566 that ispressed to command the pneumatic system of bed 10 to deflate the patientsupport bladder(s) of the mattress. The mattress includes multiplezones, in some embodiments, with each zone having its own bladder(s).Pressing button 564 results in additional inflation of the bladder(s) ofeach zone and pressing button 566 results in deflation of the bladder(s)of each zone.

Overlay 196 b includes a bar graph 568 to indicate the firmness level ofthe mattress. In the illustrative example, five bars are provided in bargraph 568 but other embodiments may have a different number of bars. Thebar on graph 568 that generally corresponds to the firmness level of themattress is illuminated and the others are not. Alternatively, the baron graph 568 that generally corresponds to the firmness level of themattress is illuminated a first color (e.g., amber or red) and theothers are illuminated a second color (e.g., green). A firm indicia 570is situated above graph 568 and a soft indicia 572 is situated beneathgraph 568. Indicia 570, 572 convey to the patient that pressing button564 makes the mattress firmer and pressing button 566 makes the mattresssofter.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the third flex circuit overlay 196 c has manyof the same buttons and indicators as overlay 196 a and so the samereference numbers are used for similar buttons and indicators. Thedescription above of overlay 196 a is equally applicable to overlay 196c with regard to the common elements and features. However, overlay 196c includes a room light button 574 which is used via successive pressesto turn on and off the main room lighting of the patient room in whichbed 10 is situated. Overlay 196 c also includes a reading light button576 which is used via successive presses to turn on and off a readinglight, typically located on a head wall unit or a room wall adjacent thehead end 14 of bed 10.

Overlay 196 c of FIG. 18 includes a TV button 578 which is used viasuccessive presses to turn on and off a television (TV) located in thepatient room. Other TV controls on overlay 196 c include a channel upbutton 580 and a channel down button 582 for changing the channel of theTV either up or down, respectively; a volume up button 584 and a volumedown button 586 for increasing or decreasing the TV volume,respectively; a mute button 588 which is used via successive presses tomute and unmute the TV; and a closed caption button 590 which is usedvia successive presses to turn closed captioning of the TV on and off.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the fourth flex circuit overlay 196 d has allof the buttons and indicators described above in connection withoverlays 196 a, 196 b, 196 c and so the same reference numbers are usedfor similar buttons and indicators. The description above of overlays196 a, 196 b, 196 c is equally applicable to overlay 196 d with regardto the common elements and features. It should be appreciated that eachof overlays 196 a-d can be attached to frame 175 of unit 160 duringmanufacture of the overhead arm assembly 100. Each overlay 196 a-d has acircuit board that couples to the remaining circuitry, described belowin connection with FIG. 20, of unit 160. The style of overlay 196 a-dchosen for inclusion in unit 160 is based on the type of features andfunctions of the associated bed 10, whether the bed 10 will connect to anurse call system, and whether the unit 160 is intended to permitcontrol of lights and TV's that are not part of bed 10.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a block diagram of an alternative electricalsystem 600 of patient interface support unit 160 of overhead armassembly 100 includes a main control board 602 and an LED board 604.Main control board 602 of unit 160 is electrically coupled to the maincontrol board (MCB) 606 of bed 10 via cable 510 as indicated by thedouble headed arrow in FIG. 20. Thus, system 602 is configured forbidirectional communication with MCB 606 of bed 10. As such, commandsentered using the buttons of overlays 196 a-d are communicated to MCB ofbed 606 which, in turn, commands the appropriate operation of theassociated bed features and functions.

Main control board 602 includes an MCB Port 608 to which cable 510 isattached. Port 608 provides connectivity using a serial peripheralinterface (SPI) bus and also provides 28 Volt Direct Current (VDC) and 5VDC power from bed 10 to electrical system 600. Port 608 is electricallycoupled to a SPI bus interface circuit 610 which is, in turn,electrically coupled to a pendant interface circuit 612. A pendantinterface port 614 is also coupled to the pendant interface circuit 612.Overlays 196 a-d each have a connector that mates with port 614.Overlays 196 a-d of unit 160 are the same overlays 196 a-d which areused with a hand held controller pendant of bed 10. In some embodiments,bed 10 may include overhead arm assembly 100 and the hand heldcontroller pendant for control of the features and functions of bed 10.

It is possible that overhead arm assemblies 100 having overlays 196 b-dmay be attached to a bed 10 that does not have all of the features andfunctions that correspond to the buttons and indicators of therespective overlay 196 b-d. Under such circumstances, MCB 606communicates the available features and functions of bed 10 (e.g.,whether the bed 10 has an air mattress with one or more bladders,whether bed 10 is coupled to a nurse call system, or whether bed 10 ispermitted to control lighting or a TV) to circuit 612. Circuit 612 thendetermines which of the buttons of overlays 196 b-d are to be backlit.Thus, each button of overlays 196 a-d is individually back lit with acorresponding LED, for example. The backlighting is turned off for anyfeatures of overlays 196 a-d that are not available for control.

MCB port 608 is also electrically coupled to a PED charge circuit 616which, in turn, is coupled to a PED charger port 618. Charger port 618is the electrical connector portion of structure 164 which is referredto as USB charging port 164 elsewhere in the present application. Thus,personal electrical devices (PED's) such as tablet computers, smartphones, music players, and the like can be recharged by plugging theminto PED charger port 618. PED charge circuit 616 controls the voltageand/or current through port 618 to charge the associated PED coupled toport 618.

As also shown in FIG. 20, SPI bus interface circuit 610 is coupled to areading light port 620. Port 620 is electrically coupled to readinglight drive circuit 622 that is included on LED board 604. Reading lightdrive circuit 622 is electrically coupled to a reading light touchsensor circuit 624 which is, in turn, electrically coupled to a touchsensor port 626. Touch sensor port 626 is electrically coupled to atouch sensor overlay 628. Touch sensor overlay 628 senses when a usertouches LED light assembly 190 positioned in the bottom of the userinterface unit 160. Successive touches of LED light assembly 190 issensed by sensor overlay 628 and circuit 624 commands LED light assembly190 to adjust the intensity or brightness of the light being emittedtherefrom or to turn off the light. For example, LED light assembly 190may have three levels of brightness (e.g., low, medium, and high) insome embodiments. A fourth touch of LED light assembly 190 turns thelight off in such embodiments, for example. LED light assemblies 190having a different number of levels of brightness (e.g., 2 levels ormore than 3 levels) are also contemplated by this disclosure.

Although this disclosure refers to specific embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form anddetail may be made without departing from the subject matter set forthin the accompanying claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A user interface for a patient supportapparatus, the user interface comprising a frame including a first sideand a second side, and a support structure positioned on the secondside, the support structure being configured to support personal digitalassistants of varying sizes, wherein the support structure includes afixed base and a movable clamp with a locking mechanism, wherein themovable clamp is movable relative to the fixed base, and wherein thelocking mechanism includes a lock operable to secure the movable clampat a plurality of positions relative to the fixed base, wherein the lockcomprises a pair of arms with each arm pivotable about a respectivepivot point, the arms formed to include catches, and the lockingmechanism further includes a pair of guides that are each engaged by therespective catches of the arms to lock the movable clamp in a particularposition.
 2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the movable clampincludes an actuator that releases the movable clamp for movement awayfrom the base.
 3. The user interface of claim 2, wherein the movableclamp comprises a first bias member that biases the locking mechanism toa locked position and a second bias member that biases the lockingmechanism to a released position.
 4. The user interface of claim 3,wherein the first bias member has a bias that is greater than the secondbias member.
 5. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the userinterface comprises a dedicated charging port positioned on the firstside.
 6. The user interface of claim 5, wherein the dedicated chargingport is provided with two modes of patient protection from electricalfaults.
 7. The user interface of claim 6, wherein the dedicated chargingport is monitored for faults.
 8. The user interface of claim 7, whereinthe fault monitor includes two modes of patient protection fromelectrical faults.
 9. The user interface of claim 8, wherein the userinterface device further comprises at least one user input devicepositioned on the first side.
 10. The user interface of claim 9, whereinthe at least one user input device is a nurse call activation switch.11. The user interface of claim 1, wherein a release mechanism comprisesa ratcheting structure that allows the movable clamp to be moved in afirst direction toward the fixed base to a plurality of positionswithout releasing the locking mechanism, the ratcheting structurepreventing movement of the movable clamp in a second direction, oppositethe first direction, without releasing the locking mechanism.
 12. Theuser interface of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism is released bymoving a handle in the second direction, the handle acting on anactuator to cause the release mechanism to disengage a first portion ofthe ratcheting structure with a second portion of the ratchetingstructure to allow free movement of the movable clamp relative to thefixed base.
 13. A user interface for a patient support apparatus, theuser interface comprising a frame including a first side and a secondside, a support structure positioned on the second side, the supportstructure being configured to support personal digital assistants ofvarying sizes, wherein the support structure includes a fixed base and amovable clamp, the movable clamp movable relative to the fixed base witha locking mechanism resisting movement of the movable clamp away fromthe base, wherein the locking mechanism includes a lock that has a pairof arms, the arms formed to include catches, and the locking mechanismfurther includes guides that are each engaged by the respective arms,wherein the guides include serrations engaged by the catches on thearms.
 14. The user interface of claim 13, wherein the movable clampcomprises a first bias member that biases the arms to a locked positionand a second bias member that biases the arms to a released position.15. The user interface of claim 14, wherein the first bias member has abias that is greater than the second bias member.
 16. The user interfaceof claim 15, wherein the first bias member comprises a torsional spring.17. The user interface of claim 15, wherein the second bias membersimultaneously acts on both arms to urge the arms together and out ofengagement with the guides.
 18. A user interface for a patient supportapparatus, the user interface comprising a frame including a first sideand a second side, and a support structure positioned on the secondside, the support structure being configured to support personal digitalassistants of varying sizes, wherein the support structure includes afixed base and a movable clamp, the movable clamp movable relative tothe fixed base with a locking mechanism resisting movement of themovable clamp away from the base, wherein a release mechanism comprisesa ratcheting structure that allows the movable clamp to be moved in afirst direction toward the fixed base to a plurality of positionswithout releasing the locking mechanism, the ratcheting structurepreventing movement of the movable clamp in a second direction, oppositethe first direction, without releasing the locking mechanism, whereinthe locking mechanism is released by moving a handle in the seconddirection, the handle acting on an actuator to cause the releasemechanism to disengage a first portion of the ratcheting structure witha second portion of the ratcheting structure to allow free movement ofthe movable clamp relative to the fixed base, and wherein the ratchetingstructure comprises at least one arm that includes a catch and at leastone guide that includes a plurality of serrations, the catch and theserrations cooperating to resist movement in the second direction whenthe catch is engaged with the serrations.
 19. The user interface ofclaim 18, wherein the actuator, when the handle is moved in the seconddirection, acts on the arm to disengage the catch from the serrations topermit movement of the movable clamp relative to the fixed base in thesecond direction.
 20. A user interface for a patient support apparatus,the user interface comprising a frame including a first side and asecond side, and a support structure positioned on the second side, thesupport structure being configured to support personal digitalassistants of varying sizes, wherein the support structure includes afixed base and a movable clamp, the movable clamp movable relative tothe fixed base with a locking mechanism resisting movement of themovable clamp away from the base, wherein a release mechanism comprisesa ratcheting structure that allows the movable clamp to be moved in afirst direction toward the fixed base to a plurality of positionswithout releasing the locking mechanism, the ratcheting structurepreventing movement of the movable clamp in a second direction, oppositethe first direction, without releasing the locking mechanism, whereinthe locking mechanism is released by moving a handle in the seconddirection, the handle acting on an actuator to cause the releasemechanism to disengage a first portion of the ratcheting structure witha second portion of the ratcheting structure to allow free movement ofthe movable clamp relative to the fixed base, and wherein the ratchetingstructure comprises two arms, each arm including a catch, and twoguides, the guides each including a plurality of serrations, the catchesand the serrations cooperating to resist movement in the seconddirection when the catches are engaged with the serrations, and wherethe actuator, when the handle is moved in the second direction, acts onthe arms to disengage the catches from the serrations to permit movementof the movable clamp relative to the fixed base in the second direction.